Colossians 2:23

Authorized King James Version

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἅτινά
G3748
Which things
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#2
ἐστιν
G2076
a shew
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#3
λόγον
G3056
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#4
μὲν
G3303
indeed
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
#5
ἔχοντα
G2192
have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
#6
σοφίας
G4678
of wisdom
wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)
#7
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
ἐθελοθρησκεία
G1479
will worship
voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e., sanctimony
#9
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
ταπεινοφροσύνῃ
G5012
humility
humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty
#11
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
ἀφειδίᾳ
G857
neglecting
unsparingness, i.e., austerity (asceticism)
#13
σώματος
G4983
of the body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#14
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
τιμῇ
G5092
honour
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
#17
τινι
G5100
any
some or any person or object
#18
πρὸς
G4314
to
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#19
πλησμονὴν
G4140
the satisfying
a filling up, i.e., (figuratively) gratification
#20
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
σαρκός
G4561
of the flesh
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing wisdom contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection